Looking for a musical show that features everything from jazz to country western music from the 30’s to present day?  Golden Blend is your answer.  This ensemble is comprised of two musicians, Deb Wald and Gene Okerlund.  With the support of exciting background tracks, Deb and Gene are able to provide a wide variety of vocal literature from Jazz to Country Western.  In addition to the vocal element,  Gene provides instrumental improvisations on trumpet, flugal horn, trombone, windjammer and harmonica.  We are able to provide an atmosphere of vocal ballads and in contrast, very upbeat instrumental and vocal scat improvisations.  If you are looking for a combination of program and dancing, the Golden Blend can provide the total package. You will find samples of our performances on this page.

Gene Okerlund is a retired band/choral/arts administrator from the Fargo Public Schools.  HIs performance background includes years of jazz playing with a variety of ensembles, lead trumpet while at Concordia College and past member of the FM Symphony.  He is presently a member of the Dakota Brass, Master Chorale, Fargo Theatre Big Band, Fargo Theatre Vocal Quintet and Golden Oldies Ensemble.  His musical experiences are very extensive, providing the skills needed to support Golden Blend performances.

Deb Wald recently retired from her choral director position at Davies High School in Fargo.  She joined the Golden Oldies Ensemble in December 2015.  Deb is a graduate of North Dakota State University where she sang with a variety of vocal ensembles including the Concert Choir and Madrigal Singers.  For several years she and her deceased husband Tom Wald performed together in a country rock band called "First Impressions".  Deb sang lead vocals and backup vocals for Tom.  A soloist for Dakota Brass, area weddings, funerals, and church services, her vocal experiences provide the skills needed to enhance "Golden Blend" performances.

The following YouTube videos provide a demonstration of the many talents of Golden Blend.  Audio files of  Golden Blend music  appear below. Improvisation solos are examples of the quality of performance you can expect from a Golden Blend show.